Monday, March 17, 2008

Attention Animal Rescuers and American Citizens

On Monday, March 10th, the Connecticut Environment Committee will hear testimony from the public concerning HB 5827, "An Act Concerning Animal Shelters.

If passed, this harmful legislation would allow the Department of Agriculture to make warrantless inspections of any private home caring for ten or more rescued animals (of any species) over six months of age, at any time of day.

Further, HB 5827 provides no clarity regarding standards of animal care to which rescuers would have to adhere, or what could constitute a violation, leaving rescuers wide open to arbitrary and capricious decision-making by the Department of Agriculture.

Rescuers who fail to purchase the required license allowing the Department of Agriculture unimpeded access to their homes -- or who continue to rescue animals despite license suspension or revocation -- would be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to a year in prison.